Bleeding time

Definition

Bleeding time is a blood test that looks at how fast small blood vessels in the skin close to stop you from bleeding.

How the test is performed

A blood pressure cuff is inflated around your upper arm. While the cuff is on your arm, the health care provider makes two small cuts on the lower arm. They are just deep enough to cause a tiny amount of bleeding.

The blood pressure cuff is immediately deflated. Blotting paper is touched to the cuts every 30 seconds until the bleeding stops. The health care provider records the time it takes for the cuts to stop bleeding.

How to prepare for the test

Certain medications may change the test results. Always tell your doctor what medications you are taking, even over-the-counter drugs. Drugs that may increase bleeding times include dextran, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and salicylates (including aspirin).

Your doctor may tell you to stop taking certain medicines a few days before the test. Never stop taking medicine without first talking to your doctor.

How the test will feel

The tiny cuts are very shallow. Most people say it feels like a skin scratch.

Why the test is performed

This test helps diagnose bleeding problems.

Normal Values

Bleeding normally stops within 1 to 9 minutes. However, values may vary from lab to lab.

Revision

Last reviewed 2/28/2011 by David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

Disclaimers

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A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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